XFL announces new host cities as they look forward to a promising season

XFL owners Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia held a live conference this past Sunday to announce the cities that will be hosting one of their eight teams for this upcoming season. 

Five of the cities, Houston, Seattle, St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Texas, will be home to teams again after having hosted a team in the most recent edition of the XFL. In addition to these cities, Las Vegas, Orlando, and San Antonio will be joining the young league as the newest cities to host venues. 

The XFL went on to reveal which teams will be based in each of the cities along with which of the previously announced head coaches will be joining the teams at their new home. Washington will be coached by former NFL wide receiver Reggie Barlow. St. Louis will feature NFL veteran Anthony Becht as their leader on the sidelines. Las Vegas will benefit from the expertise of hall-of-famer Rod Woodson as their head coach.  Arlington will trust long-time Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops to guide their team. NFL coaching titan Wade Phillips will take his knowledge of the game to Houston. Terrell Buckley will take control of the coaching responsibilities for Orlando’s team. San Antonio will welcome Pittsburgh hero Hines Ward as their head coach and Seattle will do the same for former NFL player and coach Jim Haslett. The XFL did not reveal any of the team names or logos but explained to fans that they are working tirelessly to ensure that the teams’ branding aligns with the innovative image of the league. 

Now calling these cities, HOME. #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/aZj4cve5xK

— XFL (@XFL2023) July 24, 2022

Owner Dwayne Johnson reassured fans that despite their problematic 2020 season that battled against the economic repercussions of COVID-19, there is a place for professional spring football. He also addressed concerns regarding the league’s ability to compete with the NFL by stating that the two leagues were aligned in terms of their missions. Johnson said that at the end of the day, both leagues ultimate goal is to “grow the game of football”.